Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Through fasting, Muslims are drawn closer to God, while also cultivating gratitude and compassion for others. It’s a time of spiritual reflection, charity, prayer and family. We have many interesting and informative titles about Islam and Ramadan. Here are just a few.
The Ramadan Cookbook by Anisa Karolia
Published: 2024
Call Number: 641.567 KAR
Summary: In this cookbook, readers will find all the recipes they need to make Ramadan meals family-friendly and fuss-free. For Anisa Karolia—who is known for sharing her family’s traditional Indian and Malawi recipes—Ramadan, the month of fasting to celebrate the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is about self-reflection, becoming closer to her religion and sharing the holiday with loved ones. Of course, at Suhoor and Iftar, the pre-dawn and fast-breaking meals of Ramadan, respectively, this sharing means dining together.
The Life of the Qur’an by Mohamad Jebara
Published: 2024
Call Number: 297.122 JEB
Summary: Based on extensive scholarship, an innovative biography of the central text of Islam. Over a billion copies of the Qur`an exist, yet it remains an enigma. Its classical Arabic language resists simple translation, and its non-linear style of abstract musings defies categorization. Moreover, those who champion its sanctity and compete to claim its mantle offer widely diverging interpretations of its core message at times with explosive results. Building on his intimate portrait of the Qur`an’s prophet in Muhammad the World-Changer, Mohamad Jebara returns with a vivid profile of the book itself. While viewed in retrospect as the grand scripture of triumphant empires, Jebara reveals how the Qur`an unfolded over 22 years amidst intense persecution, suffering and loneliness. The Life of the Qur`an recounts this vivid drama as a biography examining the book’s obscured heritage, complex revelation and contested legacy. The Qur`an re-emerges with clarity as a dynamic life force that seeks to inspire human beings to unleash their dormant potential despite often overwhelming odds, in order to transform themselves and the world.
Desified: Delicious Recipes for Ramadan, Eid & Every Day by Zaynah Din
Published: 2024
Call Number: 641.567 DIN
Summary: Desified is a celebration of South Asian flavors and spices. Inspired by the core principles of Ramadan, this book has more than 90 recipes, including show-stopping breakfasts, simple and satisfying dinners and feasting dishes to share. Whether you’re looking for the best ways to break your fast or you simply want to eat well throughout the year, a desi twist is always delicious.
The Arabesque Table: Contemporary Recipes from the Arab World by Reem Kassis
Published: 2021
Call Number: 641.5956 KAS
Summary: With the past on full display in this intensively researched and exciting book, you will find dishes from the Golden Age of Islam: such as Narjissiya (a fava bean and egg hash) and Makmoora (a layered chicken, onion and pine nut pot pie), as well as contemporary and globally inspired interpretations: such as Tahini Cheesecake and Caramelized Butternut Squash Fatteh with Za’atar, revealing a cuisine that is vibrant, nourishing and exciting, but above all, reminding us of how powerful food is in defining the relationship between people, place and identity.
Ramadan Reads for Kids
Ramadan & Eid 2024
In 2024, the month of Ramadan begins the evening of Sunday, March 10 and ends with the Eid al-Fitr celebration on or around Tuesday, April 9.